Elizabeth Ann Burton (1958-1990) was a poet born in Richmond, VA, who lived in Painter, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. A member of the Poet Society of Virginia, she held a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Old Dominion University. In 1990, Burton’s book of poetry, Waiting for the Messiah, was published. Additionally, she had poems published in a volume of The Poet’s Domain, a book of poetry featuring work by regional authors of the Mid-Atlantic states. She was working on a creative writing degree at Old Dominion University and a second book of poetry when she died.

Burton’s manuscripts were collected and donated in 2000 by Mildred Guilds Peele, former lecturer in the English department at Old Dominion University, and wife of E. Vernon Peele, professor of English at ODU and past dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Note Author: Elizabeth Vincelette

Rights: Questions on literary property rights should be directed to the Special Collections Librarian.

Description: This collection includes typed and handwritten drafts of poetry written by Elizabeth Ann Burton, mostly from the late 1980s. Included are the original manuscripts for Burton’s published book of poetry Waiting for the Messiah, as well as the draft of a second book, which was never published. Letters from Elizabeth Burton to Mildred Guilds Peele, donator of the collection, as well as letters written after Burton’s death by Mildred Peele to L. S. Loomer, a potential publisher of Elizabeth Burton’s poetry, and correspondence between Burton’s mother and Peele.

Access Restriction: Open to researchers without restrictions.

Rights Statement: Questions on literary property rights should be directed to the Special Collections Librarian.